From the RA company, the sector of Redolfi Armi di Manerbio (BS) which deals with the distribution of brands related to the gun world, we had two interesting versions of the B14 rifle set up by the Spanish Bergara on trial. The company, in strong expansion since the end of the 60s, keeps the district of Eibar favorably present at an international level and has recently expanded its action by opening its own office in the USA, the market which in hindsight absorbs the majority of sales, in particular for long rifled barrels. The two B14 models are similar in their action, differing markedly in the barrel and in the stock: the Hunter set up for driven hunts or in any case for medium-close distances, the Varmint set up for long shots, whether hunting or shooting ranges. . We present the two guns together as far as their common basis represents, with the appropriate digressions for the details that differentiate them.
Castle and shutter
Following a classic path and guarantor of good results immediately puts you on a privileged level for performance and for the possibility of containing prices, two factors that in rifled rifles touch the precepts of enthusiasts. The Spanish manufacturer has opted for a traditional setting with those variants that prove to be functional characterizing the product: the reputation of operational reliability that Bergara rifles have gained in recent years is well known and with it the very attractive price. So we see the castle with threaded ring to accommodate the barrel, the rounded sides with the ejection window on the right flush with the opening in the barrel, left side with flattening that aesthetically moves the whole by highlighting the company logo, rear bridge with two diameters .
Two measures proposed by the company according to US practice, suitable for cartridges of the .308 Win series. or .30-06 Sprg. and here of course the chambering of both rifles is adopted for the civil version of the 7,62 × 51 Nato. In the two apical points, ring and bridge, there are two pairs of holes suitable for mounting the bases of an optic: they follow the Remington standard and this greatly facilitates the finding of the desired components.
In the situation examined, we went on the safe side by adopting bases and rings from the Contessa Brothers while for the optics we propose the Polish Delta, also distributed by the RA of Redolfi: a choice also here where functionality and price prove to be inviting. The cylindrical obturator has the usual two well-sized fins on the head: in the right-hand one, longitudinal milling is carried out combined with the rib protruding inside the castle, thus facilitating sliding without lateral skidding. Still in the same fin the extraction nail is recessed in a T-shaped seat, which works orthogonally while in the lowered face the clear hole of the firing pin stands out and, alongside, the spring pawl of the ejector. The cylindrical body is crossed by spiral ribs: collection of any dirt, stiffening and convenient aesthetics are the functions that can be assigned to the part.
The handlebar is welded to the central part with a semi-ring base from which the rounded prismatic section arm starts on which the round conical knob with grip knurls is screwed: the best solution as an alternative to the classic sphere. In the opening rotation there is the contrast between the base of the handlebar and the rear profile of the bridge: the right angle implements the primary extraction. The firing pin and coaxial spring are inserted inside the shutter: the tang with red reference protrudes, when cocked, from the apical cap modeled with care and personality.
The two-position safety lever is inserted on the right side of the stock head: the button with non-slip groove can be operated easily when in the tappet, it is silent and allows, once inserted, to open the bolt to extract a any cartridge while keeping the trigger and firing pin locked. Finally we observe on the left side of the castle the rocker button for the release of the shutter at the end of the stroke: a system that we prefer compared to the pressure on the trigger that we see well only to shoot.
Barrel and stock
Le 4140 CrMo steel barrels differentiate the two models: the first with only 52 cm in length (1:10 "pitch) and 16,6 mm diameter in the muzzle is suitable for jab shots or hunting in the woods where the maneuverability and speed of aiming they prove to be prominent, also favored by the weight contained in 3200 g and by the classic shapes of the synthetic stock, obtained by injections of special resins in the carbon fiber base and glass fiber reinforcements. The second shows a setting from varmint (as the model clearly says) already in the stock with a very elongated pistol grip, increased and raised cheek rest, squared stem: all for a firm support on the counter of the shooting range in search of the narrowest grouping or on the backpack looking for the decisive shot on the game chosen.
The barrel measures 61 cm with a muzzle section of 21,2 mm and a rifling pitch of 1:10 ". As for the processing, we observe the straightening of the bar within very limited measures; then we proceed to the drilling and subsequently to the 6-start scoring followed by the ogivation that stretches and compacts the metal fibers without inducing tensions and ensuring the optimal gloss of the surface. The machining provided by top machinery allows the coaxiality between chamber and core, the orthogonality of the stop of the bottom on the shutter face and a correct finishing of the egress of the lines. The outside of the barrel then shows some deep grooves: it does not overflow in the overall weight and guarantees a rigidity equal to that of the same round section artifact of identical external size with a gritty and captivating aesthetic. Finally we note the assembly of the muzzle brake.
Shooting and charger
The direct release is very similar between the two models and is positioned between the 1400 g of the Hunter and the 1200 g of the Varmint: at sight they would seem a little high values for those accustomed to the stecher, but in use the sharpness of the release is rewarded by ensuring a total satisfaction. You can easily send the shot away by choosing the topical moment or being surprised by its departure by actuating the tappet, controlling your breathing and gradually increasing the pressure on the trigger until, obviously a matter of moments, the roar surprises us: very pleasant.
Remarkable is the precision measured on the distance of 100 meters at the Old Polygon of Castellinaldo, near Canale d'Alba (CN) under the direction of the owner, his friend Nicola Vecchio (tel. 333 384 8500): the insurance of the House about the maintenance MOA at this size with factory Match type cartridges is fully guaranteed. The butt plate Crush Zones® in soft, energy-absorbing rubber, it gives a little something more in terms of pleasantness of use. The detachable magazines made of molded polymer contain 4 cartridges to which the possibly chambered one is added: the external lever for the release placed in front of the guard and under the barrel is convenient.
In the final
In the tests we were able to appreciate all the mechanical and ballistic details of the two rifles together with the validity of the Delta optics both for the optical system and for the mechanics: we did not need any particular movements of the reference and not even the material time for the square test. that we intend to do as soon as possible in a next shooting session. We are sure that also in this case we will have a lot of satisfaction.
